FPL GW25: Transfer Trends, Fixture Runs and DGW26 Strategy

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As we move into GW25, FPL managers are entering one of the most important planning windows of the season. Transfer activity is accelerating, fixture difficulty begins to diverge sharply between clubs, and a Double Gameweek in GW26 for Arsenal and Wolves adds another layer of strategic complexity.

Looking beyond single Gameweek punts, the smarter approach is to align transfer targets with favourable fixture runs over the next four to six Gameweeks. By comparing the most transferred-in players for GW25 with the Fixture Difficulty Rating (FDR) from GW25 to GW30, we can identify the players who combine form, momentum and opportunity.

This article highlights ten popular transfer targets who also benefit from a strong run of fixtures, with a particular focus on teams who enjoy clusters of green fixtures and those with double gameweek upside.

Our algorithm-based score predictions for GW25 are here. Don’t forget, the deadline for Gameweek 25 is set at 18:30pm (UK time) tonight on Friday, 6th February 2026. The free to play FPL or pay to play season/weekend/daily games like FanTeam are ideal ways of following the Premier League action.

Arsenal – DGW26 Upside with a Stable Fixture Run

Arsenal remain one of the most reliable teams in FPL, and their schedule from GW25 to GW30 is well balanced. They avoid prolonged runs of red fixtures and crucially have a Double Gameweek in GW26 (both away against Brentford and Wolves), which significantly boosts the appeal of their core assets.

Upcoming easy (green) fixtures for Arsenal:

  • GW25: Sunderland (H)
  • GW26: Wolves (A)
  • GW30: Everton (H)

Gabriel – £7.1m, 40.6% ownership
Gabriel continues to justify his heavy ownership with consistent defensive returns and strong bonus point potential. The upcoming home match in GW25 provides a strong clean sheet opportunity, while the Double Gameweek in GW26 gives him two chances to deliver points in one round. For managers prioritising defensive stability, Gabriel remains one of the safest long-term picks.

Jurrien Timber – £6.4m, 29.0% ownership
Timber offers a slightly more attacking route into the Arsenal defence at a marginally lower price point. With Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures offering clean sheet potential and the added DGW26 upside, Timber is a strong alternative for managers who want Arsenal coverage without doubling up on centre-backs.

Declan Rice – £7.5m, 32.9% ownership
Rice remains popular due to his reliability and steady stream of returns. While not explosive, he benefits from Arsenal’s structured dominance in matches against weaker opponents. The Double Gameweek in GW26 adds further value, making Rice a sensible medium-term midfield anchor for managers seeking consistency.

Chelsea – One of the Best Fixture Runs in the League

Chelsea’s upcoming run from GW25 to GW30 stands out as one of the most favourable in the league, with multiple green fixtures offering both attacking and defensive potential. This explains the strong transfer interest in Chelsea assets ahead of GW25.

Upcoming easy (green) fixtures for Chelsea:

  • GW25: Wolves (A)
  • GW26: Leeds (H)
  • GW27: Burnley (H)

João Pedro – £7.5m, 41.1% ownership
João Pedro has quickly become one of the most popular forward picks in the game. Chelsea’s run of favourable fixtures aligns perfectly with his form, making him a reliable source of goals and bonus points over the next few Gameweeks. While his ownership limits his differential appeal, he offers strong protection for managers looking to consolidate rank.

Enzo – £6.8m, 22.7% ownership
Enzo offers a slightly more understated route into Chelsea’s attacking output. With green fixtures ahead, he is well placed to accumulate steady returns through goals, assists and bonus involvement. His ownership keeps him in a useful middle ground between safety and upside.

Chalobah – £5.7m, 23.7% ownership
Chalobah provides budget-friendly access to Chelsea’s defence during a period where clean sheets are more likely. For managers looking to restructure their back line, he represents good value without sacrificing fixture quality.

Liverpool – Fixture Swings Create Short-Term Opportunities

Liverpool’s schedule is mixed overall, but they enjoy a favourable run in the middle of the GW25–GW30 window. This makes certain Liverpool attackers appealing medium-term holds rather than long-term locks.

Upcoming easy (green) fixtures for Liverpool:

  • GW28: West Ham (H)
  • GW29: Wolves (A)

Ekitike – £8.9m, 25.8% ownership
Ekitike remains one of the most appealing Liverpool attackers, combining strong involvement with an upcoming period of softer fixtures. Managers backing Ekitike are likely targeting those specific green fixtures where Liverpool’s attacking ceiling is highest.

Wirtz – £8.3m, 13.9% ownership
Wirtz stands out as a genuine differential option. With relatively low ownership, he offers upside for managers willing to take a calculated risk. The green fixtures provide a platform for Wirtz to deliver returns that could significantly impact rank if Liverpool find rhythm in attack.

Manchester United – Popular Picks Despite Mixed Fixtures

Manchester United’s fixtures are more mixed than some of the other clubs highlighted, but their key players remain popular due to form and role security rather than fixture quality alone.

Upcoming easy (green) fixtures for Manchester United:

  • GW26: West Ham (A)
  • GW28: Palace (H)

Bruno Fernandes – £9.7m, 32.7% ownership
Bruno remains one of the most reliable premium midfielders in the game. While United’s fixtures are not uniformly green, Bruno’s involvement in goals and assists makes him relatively fixture-proof. He remains a strong long-term hold for managers who value reliability.

Cunha – £8.0m, 8.9% ownership
Cunha offers differential appeal for managers seeking upside beyond the obvious picks. His ownership remains low, and with a couple of green fixtures on the horizon, he has the potential to quietly outperform more popular options.

Bournemouth – Budget Enablers with Green Patches

Bournemouth enjoy a run of manageable fixtures that make their budget assets more appealing than usual, particularly for managers seeking squad depth.

Upcoming easy (green) fixtures for Bournemouth:

  • GW27: West Ham (A)
  • GW28: Sunderland (H)
  • GW30: Burnley (A)

Senesi – £4.8m, 15.3% ownership
Senesi provides a low-cost defensive option with a reasonable chance of returns during Bournemouth’s green fixtures. While Bournemouth are not an elite defensive side, the fixture run offers opportunities for clean sheets and bonus points, making Senesi a useful budget rotation option.

Strategic Takeaways

This planning window is defined by three core themes. Arsenal and Wolves benefit from a Double Gameweek in GW26, which elevates even steady performers into high-value picks. Chelsea’s run of green fixtures makes them one of the most important teams to invest in over the next month. Liverpool and Manchester United offer selective opportunities where timing transfers around fixture swings can unlock upside.

Managers who align transfers with fixture runs rather than chasing recent points are far more likely to gain ground over this period. Balancing high-ownership safety picks with one or two well-timed differentials remains the optimal strategy.

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